Connection Grows in the Woods

April 12, 2025

We slept warmer last night, and our tear down time was quicker. Bo wore his boots today, as we had a big climb to start off our morning. His paw is really bothering him, it looks like he’s started to lick it raw so I can him a pain med and an antibiotic to tide him over until we can get into town to get it checked out.

We climbed Poor Mtn, and the only thing poor about it is the sorry sucker who has to transverse it. I’m grateful that Georiga believes in switchbacks because it was a solid climb! Up next, we climbed Sheep Rock Top and filled up water from a mini waterfall beside the trail before stopping for lunch.

Lunch break!

Today proved to be a tough mental day for me. I got some surprising news from home, and I was also really worried about Boxs paw and disappointed in myself for not putting on his booties sooner. We had another 8 miles to go before we would get to Unicoi Gap, where we could get to a vet. I felt really guilty having him walk another 8 miles on it, but we had no other options. I made sure to take the weight out of his pack to make it easier on him.

It was calling for storms again tonight and began pouring after I set up camp. Panicking, I tried to hang the bear bag, thinking it was going to rain all night, and I wouldn’t have time to make dinner. I finally got it up, and Bo and I hunkered down in the tent and made some phone calls, which helped to lift our spirits. I found a dog friendly hostel, Stanimals, to stay at for the next two nights, which brought me some peace in regard to Bo’s health. Luckily, the rain lifted, and I had time to make dinner before another storm popped up.

It’s been interesting to see how being out in the woods hiking every day has heightened everything. My emotions, thoughts, and smells feel very different than they used to. I suppose there’s nothing else to do other than walk, so my brain is able to process a lot, and I’m able to feel emotions right away and then let them pass. I feel the connection between my mind, body, and emotions growing stronger, and it’s been really incredible while also challenging.